Rumors of FIFA considering retiring the number 10 shirt from professional football around the world following Lionel Messi’s retirement caused a public stir. According to the El Chiringuito program, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was considering this bold idea to honor the legacy of one of the greatest players in history. Many number 10 shirts, symbols associated with legends such as Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, Pelé, and Cuuhtemoc Blanco, may never again appear on professional turf.
This idea stems from the desire to create a unique legacy for Messi, who has taken the number 10 to a new level with extraordinary achievements. From La Liga and Champions League titles to the 2022 World Cup championship, Messi has transformed the number 10 into a symbol of creativity, technique, and inspiration. Retiring this shirt is seen as a way for FIFA to make a lasting impression on his contribution to football history.
However, this proposal is facing mixed opinions. Some fans believe that “retiring” the number 10 shirts is a good way to honor them, but many others oppose it, arguing that these shirts belong not only to Messi but also to the common heritage of football. Legends like Maradona or Pelé have created an immortal value for the number 10, and the ban could lose the opportunity for future generations to continue the tradition. Moreover, the number 10 shirt is not only a number, but also a symbol of creativity, the role of leadership, and the spirit of freedom on the pitch.
Big clubs like Barcelona, where Messi spent most of his career, or other teams like Real Madrid and Juventus, could also be affected by this decision. Many fear that retiring 10 shirts will diminish the symbolism of football, especially in major tournaments like the World Cup or the Champions League. Some other opinions suggest that FIFA should find another way to honor Messi, such as an English award or a special anniversary, instead of retiring historic shirts.
FIFA has not yet officially announced this plan. However, the rumors alone are enough to spark a heated debate on social media and within the football community. Will the number 10 truly disappear forever, or is it just a passing idea? Only time will tell, but the number 10 will always be an inseparable part of football history, with the image of geniuses like Messi at the back of fans’ minds.
